Song Of Margaret.

By Jean Ingelow

Lyric Poem
    Ay, I saw her, we have met, -     Married eyes how sweet they be, -     Are you happier, Margaret,     Than you might have been with me?     Silence! make no more ado!     Did she think I should forget?     Matters nothing, though I knew,     Margaret, Margaret.     Once those eyes, full sweet, full shy,     Told a certain thing to mine;     What they told me I put by,     O, so careless of the sign.     Such an easy thing to take,     And I did not want it then;     Fool! I wish my heart would break,     Scorn is hard on hearts of men.     Scorn of self is bitter work, -     Each of us has felt it now:     Bluest skies she counted mirk,     Self-betrayed of eyes and brow;     As for me, I went my way,     And a better man drew nigh,     Fain to earn, with long essay,     What the winner's hand threw by.     Matters not in deserts old,     What was born, and waxed, and yearned,     Year to year its meaning told,     I am come, - its deeps are learned, -     Come, but there is naught to say, -     Married eyes with mine have met.     Silence! O, I had my day,     Margaret, Margaret.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Lyric Poems
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem explores themes of regret, lost opportunities, and self-reproach. The speaker revisits a past romantic relationship with a character named Margaret, contemplating the what-ifs and might-have-beens of their history. The recurring question, "Are you happier, Margaret, Than you might have been with me?" underscores the speaker's lingering doubt and longing.

The tone of the poem is one of melancholy and self-deprecation. The speaker acknowledges his past negligence and indifference, as he admits, "What they told me I put by, O, so careless of the sign." This admission is not without an acute sense of regret, as seen in the line, "Fool! I wish my heart would break." The structure of the poem, which alternates between reflections on the past and the present, enhances this sense of regret, as it emphasizes the contrast between what was and what could have been. The repeated refrain, "Margaret, Margaret," further underscores the speaker's unshakeable fixation on the past.

The poem also employs powerful imagery and metaphors, particularly the desert metaphor, which symbolizes loneliness and desolation, reflecting the speaker's emotional state. The reference to "Married eyes" and the speaker's eventual silence implies a finality, a bitter acceptance of the unchangeable past. Overall, the poem provides an introspective exploration of human regret, unrequited love, and the pain of missed opportunities.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.